when I say you’re beautiful, I mean it, Valentina.”
She gulped and licked her lips. “I guess.”
“No guessing here, love. Don’t take away from what I see. The beauty you have is unique to you.” He slowly bent his head to take her lips. He ran his tongue over her lips and she sighed into the kiss. Her whole body and soul were in agreement that Smoke could call her beautiful whenever he wanted and she’d believe him.
When they reached the bungalow after enjoying a quiet time on the blanket, Smoke found himself not wanting to leave her. He cleared his throat and shuffled from one foot to foot, feeling like an awkward kid after his first date. “I guess I’ll see you in a day or so. Hopefully?” He let out a breath. “I hope that you want to see me again. Do you?”
She grinned, her smile was bright and full of sunshine. Then she stood on tiptoes and placed her lips on his cheek, leaving a tiny scorching spot where she kissed him. “You know darn well I do. I can’t even imagine waiting for a day to see you again.”
Sighing, she stepped back.
His dragon puffed his chest out with happiness. He’d done good and now his mate would want to spend more time with him.
“Okay, princess, that’s an invitation I’ll hold you to.” He gave her a final kiss that made him ache to the deepest parts of his ancient soul and hope sprang in his heart that he and Ash would finally have their mate. “Think about me tonight, sweetheart. I’ll be thinking of you.”
She licked her lips and he had to fight the urge to rip her clothes off. “You know I will.”
He strolled away and turned to see her standing on her porch, her smile wide and a hand up, waving him goodbye.
Chapter Thirteen
Valentina woke with a jolt, sitting straight up in bed. Everything was quiet. Then her phone rang again. She breathed out a hard breath and leaned over to the nightstand.
“Val, it’s Kristin. Sorry to call so early, but we’re having a meeting in an hour, and we’d like you to join us. Are you busy today?”
Valentina laughed. “I was prepared to start working immediately, so no, I have nothing important going on.” Besides, she had a lot to think about.
“K,” Kristin replied, “see you in an hour.” When Valentina hung up, she glanced at the clock to see it was nine-thirty. Damn, she’d never slept this late.
Valentina jumped out of the bed and into the shower. As she showered, her thoughts went back to the previous day and her date with Smoke. God, he was so funny, but yet could be serious. He tried to keep telling her she was beautiful, even called her princess. And his kisses. Goodness gracious! Fire went down her body and woke long thought dead feelings every time he stroked his lips over hers.
But the problem was how could she possibly have such strong feelings for two different men. Both were gorgeous, model-worthy looking, vibrant men. Both seemed to find her beautiful, which would take some getting used to. Not even her parents told her she was pretty. Could she do what Gerri had hinted at? Could it be possible that these two men could be hers?
One problem, though, how would they feel about her wanting another man? Well, damn, that probably wouldn’t work. How could she choose only one of them? Only time would tell. She was going to be here for a good long time, she hoped anyway.
When she walked out of the front door, Mark stood behind a cart with a huge box on it.
“This is for you, Ms. Lombardi.”
She recognized the box she’d packed with her diving gear and other things she’d shipped from her previous home.
“My scuba stuff is here. Thank you, Mark.”
He lifted the container, which had to be thirty pounds. “Where do you want it?” he asked.
“Just set it here by the door.”
After stepping through the doorway, he placed the box on the floor. He stood and wiped his hands together. “Don’t worry about giving me a tip,” he said in a serious tone, “you haven’t been paid yet. You can give it to me then.”
Mimicking his sober expression, she replied, “Thank you for understanding. Since I’m new here, I don’t know what to tip you.”
“A twenty would be fine.”
Valentina bit her tongue to keep from laughing in his face. She spun around and coughed, slapping her chest. With a